The Italian word for 'a little girl' is bambina. This term is widely used to refer specifically to a female child.
Understanding "Bambina"
The word bambina is a feminine noun in Italian that directly translates to 'little girl' or 'female child'. It inherently carries the meaning of 'little' or 'young', making it the most appropriate and common translation for a young female.
It's derived from bambino, which can mean a baby, an infant, or a young child. The addition of the feminine 'a' ending makes it specific to a female.
Related Terms and Nuances
While bambina specifically denotes a little girl, Italian has other terms for children or girls depending on age and context:
- Bambino: This is the masculine counterpart, meaning 'a little boy' or 'male child'. It can also be used generically to mean 'baby' or 'infant' regardless of gender.
- Bambini: The plural form, typically meaning 'children' (can be mixed gender or all boys). If referring exclusively to girls, one might use bambine.
- Ragazza: This term translates to 'girl' or 'young woman'. It generally refers to someone older than a bambina, typically a teenager or young adult.
- Piccola: This is an adjective meaning 'small'. While you could say una bambina piccola (a small little girl), bambina itself is usually sufficient to convey the 'little' aspect.
Practical Usage
Here are some examples of how bambina is used in sentences:
- Una bambina gioca nel parco. (A little girl is playing in the park.)
- Mia figlia è una bambina molto curiosa. (My daughter is a very curious little girl.)
- Vedo due bambine che corrono. (I see two little girls running.)
Quick Reference Table
For a clear overview of common related terms:
English Term | Italian Translation | Notes |
---|---|---|
A little girl | Bambina | Common and direct translation |
A little boy | Bambino | Male counterpart |
Children (plural) | Bambini | General term for children (mixed or all boys) |
Girl | Ragazza | Generally an older girl or young woman |
Explore More Italian Vocabulary
To further enhance your Italian vocabulary, you can explore comprehensive online dictionaries such as WordReference.com for detailed definitions and usage examples of bambina and many other Italian words.